“The now is the only thing that exists and its perpetual”, says Thomas Bilyeu, fownder of Quest nutrition. This is how he made his millions, he states, by understanding that we can only truly live with happiness when living in the present moment, the NOW. And to live happily in the NOW we need to be doing things and have a purpose which make us content.
Bilyeu also states that that the most important question to ask yourself is:
“When you’re alone what do you really think about yourself? Do you like spending time alone?”
Your answer to this question should give you an idea of whether you are truly living your life, and living it in the present moment. If you are, you should feel content and at peace in your own company.
Why?
Because you understand how to live in the NOW!
6 STEPS TO LIVING IN THE NOW:
- BE MINDFUL
Indeed, “mindfulness blurs the line between self and other”, explains Michael Kernis, a psychologist at the University of Georgia. "When people are mindful, they're more likely to experience themselves as part of humanity, as part of a greater universe." That's why highly mindful people such as Buddhist monks talk about being at "one with everything."
Kernis also explains that "Mindfulness decreases ego involvement, so people are less likely to link their self-esteem to events and more likely to take things at face value." This practice expands your awareness of how you interpret and react to what's happening in your mind. It increases the space between emotional impulse and action, allowing you to do what Buddhists call recognizing the spark before the flame.
- BREATHE
Everything natural has a natural rhythm: The ocean, the movement of the earth, the seasons…Breathing, is OUR natural rhythm. Focus on getting onto the flow of that rhythm by becoming more aware of your breath. Focusing on your breath is essentially a method of expanding mindfulness and therefore consciousness, and connecting to your being. Living consciously with alert interest has a powerful effect on interpersonal life.
- FLOW
Sometimes we cannot control things. And sometimes our expectations get trampled on. This is why it is important to understand the concept of FLOW.
Flowing with the universe and riding the wave of events thrown at you is often a lot easier than trying to control and expect everything. It allows you to understand that sometimes (and most of the time) we are out of control of anything other than our actions and reactions. When this concept is understood and your flow has begun, you shall feel a lot more peaceful, I guarantee it.
- ADAPT
I believe that to live in the now, we have to understand how to adapt to change and not fear it. Albert Einstein once said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” It is the ability to adapt to a transient and perpetual world. It is the ability to grow and evolve alongside change and not be afraid to fail and understand that your expectations will not always be met.
To me, success in life first comes from self-success: self-love and humble confidence. By adapting to our ever-changing world with ease and openness you can live in the NOW, and truly live your life to the fullest.
- ACCEPT
If something is bothering you or on your mind, move towards it rather than away from it. Acceptance allows us to be freed and is necessary to living in the present moment. We all deal with pain and letting it linger will only cause more pain.
The solution is acceptance—letting the emotion be there. That is, being open to the way things are in each moment without trying to manipulate or change the experience—without judging it, clinging to it, or pushing it away. The present moment can only be as it is. Trying to change it only frustrates and exhausts you. Acceptance relieves you of this needless extra suffering.
- PERFORM
Guys… All of the above is great. But it is intellectual knowledge!
The power lies in turning this knowledge into action.
ONE LOVE, ONE FAMILY!
AB